piecewise function

noun

UK /ˈpiːs.waɪz ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/

US /ˈpiːs.waɪz ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/

A piecewise function is a math rule that uses different formulas for different parts of its input.

The taxi fare is a piecewise function: one price for the first mile and a different price for each mile after that.

SYNONYMS

split function segmented function case-defined function stepwise function

RELATED WORDS

domain interval formula graph piecewise linear

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A function defined by multiple sub-functions, each applying to a certain interval of the main domain.

The absolute value function can be written as a piecewise function with two linear pieces.

3. A mathematical rule whose expression changes depending on the range of the input value.

Shipping costs are modeled as a piecewise function of package weight.

4. A function assembled from separate pieces, often with jumps or breaks at the boundaries.

The graph of the piecewise function showed a jump where the two pieces met.